Spice Routes Wallpaper: Sea Grey

Our wallpapers are silk screen printed by hand using traditional techniques and skilled craftsmanship. The papers evidence the marks of the printmaker as the printing ink can be seen on the surface of the quality paper. Truly a unique work of art! The papers are printed to order in Glasgow.

Spice Routes is a repeating block printed design featuring sailing boats, sea creatures and rolling waves. It was inspired by the adventures of the Spice Traders of the 17th Century who sailed to the Far East in search of rare Spices. The design evokes a1930s wallpaper style. The paper can be seen at The Luss Seafood Bar on the shores of Loch Lomond and is suitable for anyone with a love of Sea Voyages!

Shipping Policy

Orders are shipped directly by our designer makers with free standard UK Shipping on most items. Made to Order and Private Commission work will vary. Designer makers will confirm receipt of your order and will notify you when they despatch your product(s). Read our full shipping policy.

Return Policy

We understand that you may wish to return an item and seek a refund. If this is the case you need to contact the designer maker directly in writing no longer than 30 days after the date on which you received the item. For more information read our full returns policy.

Endangered Animals Wallpaper

Wildcat Cushion

Spice Routes Silk Bag

Cloves Silk Bag

I wanted to go to Art School from an early age and graduated from Glasgow School of Art in the early 90s with a BA in Environmental Art. After working in community arts for over a decade, in 2012 I decided I wanted to establish my own design practice and reconnect with contemporary designers and makers. I went back to study for an MA in Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art, which was hugely inspirational.

I established Little Axe in 2014 beginning quite literally from the kitchen table to produce hand block printed designs for Wallpaper and Textiles. I have a love of traditional craft and aim to use locally sourced materials and make sure all of my products are hand made in Britain. Initially I sold my products at local Craft Fairs but later went on to showcase with Handmade in Britain at Kew Gardens in London in 2015. Since then the company has grown steadily, now we now take commissions from restaurants and interior designers for our bespoke hand printed designs and handmade products.
My work is all about nature, plants and animals, flora and fauna. I focus mostly on rare or endangered species, particularly the ones that are disappearing from the environment due to climate change and habitat loss. I want my work to convey meaning and I’m interested in our relationship to nature, I suppose it’s an attempt to bring nature back into our lives wherever we are. My wallpapers feature dense foliage, rare animals and rolling seas.

The early textile collections were based on the wild habitats and shorelines of my native Scotland. But last year I made a collection that was inspired by the Spice Trade in the 17th century, so it features more exotic plants such as the Vanilla Orchid, the Black Pepper Vine and the Cloves plant. I’m currently working to commission on a new series of block printed designs inspired by the plants of the foothills of the Italian Alps.

I hope as Little Axe Blockprints becomes more widely known to establish partnerships with British based makers that could take my designs to the next level.